GlobalData predicts wearables could aid electrophysiology expansion

The prediction comes shortly after Apple announced that 400,000 participants were enrolled in the Apple Heart trial, a study aimed at screening atrial fibrillation.

Sheryl Tang, a medical device analyst at Global Data, said: “Wearable technology is quickly advancing into healthcare and diagnostics, where. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of irregular heart rhythm that affects approximately 2% of the population worldwide.

“If wearable technology, such as the Apple Watch, can successfully diagnose atrial fibrillation, this could significantly increase the patient pool eligible for treatment as diagnostic testing would expand to patients who do not regularly go for routine ECG screening. This could lead to the electrophysiology ablation catheter market reaching over the predicted $2.6bn by 2028.

“Wearable technology is allowing routine screening to become more accessible and convenient for people. Those who are not able to attend regular ECG screening can utilise consumer devices to closely monitor their own health at their own convenience, which will encourage a more proactive, preventative approach to their health and well-being.

“While there is potential for market growth, there are still questions surrounding the accuracy of wearable devices in replacing traditional medical devices, and the unintended consequences of anxiety and stress associated with constant monitoring.”